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Modern Warfare 3 most wanted game this holiday, says Nielsen

Nielsen has released the results of its Video Game Tracking survey, showing some of the most anticipated games and what eager players are saying about them.

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 is the most wanted game this holiday season, according to a Nielsen Video Game Tracking survey. The stats show Activision's big-budget shooter on 27% of participants' top 5 anticipated titles, beating its two closest competitors (Gears of War 3 and Madden NFL 12) by a margin of 8%.

But while the numbers might be good fodder for healthy internet debates about the comparative merits of games, Nielsen's results also provide interesting data on trending topics for each of the titles. Modern Warfare buzz is about launch parties and a darker mood, while AC Revelations discussion revolves around the beta release. Zelda fans are hoping Skyward Sword brings back that Ocarina of Time magic, and Arkham City conversation seems fueled by Batman's rogue's gallery of villains. Battlefield 3's entry is telling: "many feel this title is superior to competing titles in the genre."

Check out the full list with percentages below. Remember, this isn't the percentage of gamers who want the games; it's the percent of gamers that put it in their top five.

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 (27%)

Gears of War 3 (19%)

Madden NFL 12 (19%)

Assassin’s Creed: Revelations (17%)

Batman: Arkham City (15%)

The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword (14%)

Battlefield 3 (12%)

Just Dance 3 (12%)

NBA 2K12 (9%)

Need for Speed: The Run (9%)

Uncharted 3: Drake’s Deception (9%)

Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games (8%)

LEGO Harry Potter: Years 5-7 (8%)

FIFA Soccer 12 (8%)

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim (8%)

Dead Island (7%)

Kinect Sports: Season 2 (6%)

Resistance 3 (4%)

Dance Central 2 (4%)

Deus Ex: Human Revolution (3%)

Steve Watts

Editor-In-Chief

Steve Watts' youthful memories are are a blur of pixels, princesses, castles, and Mega Busters. After writing about games as a pastime for years, he got his first shot at a paid gig at 1UP. He's freelanced for several sites since then, and found a friendly home at Shacknews. His editorial duties include news, reviews, features, and lunatic ravings. He lives in the Baltimore-Washington area with his shockingly understanding wife.